March Runner of the Month: Cao Pham

    Congrats to Cao Pham for being named the March Ultimate Fit Runner of the Month!  Cao came to the U.S. via Vietnam with his wife and 2 children in 1996.  In 2003, he moved to the Tri-State from California and has been here ever since.  Cao and his wife live and Newburgh, his daughter in New York, and son in San Antonio.  With his kids out of the house, he has plenty of time to train for half and full marathons. 

Here is an excerpt from the nomination email we received: "Cao is literally at every local race. He is everyone's friend and has a smile that lights up the town! He finds so much joy in running and he shares that with everyone he meets. Every time we see each other we always do our warm up together and cheer each other on. It is awesome to see him cross the finish line because everyone in town loves him and cheers for him."
 
What motivates you to run/walk?
It helps me live a healthy lifestyle.
 
How many races have you participated in?
I have ran in 220 exactly in the last 10 years! Those races range from 2 miles to 26 miles!  For longer races I have ran in 6 full marathons and 21 half marathons.
 
What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively?
In 2008, when I turned 50 years old, I started running competitively. 
 
Favorite place to run/walk?
Newburgh river front 4 days a week.
 
Favorite local race?
Every one of them.  I love seeing my running friends at them so they are all great!

Favorite race outside of the Tri-State?
New York City & Chicago Marathons
 
Farthest you have traveled to do a race?
Vietnam for a half marathon.  It was a 20 hour flight and got to visit family while there.  The race started at 4:45 am because the temperature gets so hot there!
 
Favorite race distance?
Half and Full Marathons
 
Favorite race memory?
Finishing the New York City Marathon, I really liked the course.
 
Funniest race memory?
There was a race in Evansville a few years ago called the Run this Whey 10 Miler.  It was in December and very cold and windy.  I was running behind a guy and he turned around and asked if we were going the right way!  I said I am just following you, I thought you did!  We had to stop at a house and ask how to get back to Burdette park and ran 4 extra miles that day! 
 
Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink?
Pre- Rye Bread with Peanut butter.  Also I eat bananas
Post- water and chocolate milk
Day before race- Pizza!
 
What is your favorite brand of running shoe?
I don’t really have one, I always like to try all the brands. 
 
How many miles do you run/walk a week?
20-25 Normal
30-40 when training for a long race
 
What are your future goals for running/walking?
Become a Boston Marathon Qualifier!
 
Favorite time of day to run?
Always after work in the late afternoon/early evening
 
Favorite weather to run in?
30-40 degrees
 
Music or no music?
No music!